Goin' to Florida...

Hello all - Can I get any bourbons in Florida that I can't get in Illinois? I'll be there next week for about 6 days and I want someone to say I can get Four Roses there! Even if that's not possible is there anything available there that isn't here? Thanks!

Re: Goin' to Florida...

Where in Florida, if you don't mind me asking? It really depends on the market you visiting. The larger the market, or the more affluent area, the better chances you will have more selection or of spotting a hard-to-find bottling, or a top shelf brand. I frequent Destin in the panhandle where property values (and property taxes! ) are relatively high. The selection there is fair, as I've seen a variety of bourbons that are not available in Alabama or Georgia (excluding Atlanta--the selection there is much better). I've been able to find PVW in very limited supply, but no Maple Hill, probably because, as pointed out above, some bourbons distributions are merely regional.

Murf

"...A good bowl of Wheaties with bourbon can't be beat." Dizzy Dean, The Gashouse Gang, 1934.

Re: Goin' to Florida...

Beer warning!!! alcohol content is 3.2%. when sitting on the beach its just like drinking water. if you are drving though alabama dont stop for bourbon, very limited selection. but do buy beer if you drink it.

"Mama wanted me to be a preacher. I told her coachin' and preachin' were alot alike." Paul Bryant

Re: Goin' to Florida...

It's worth going into a large liquor store just to see how it is different. You probably will see something you don't see in Chicago, at least not routinely. You'll see a lot of Heaven Hill's brands, with generous shelf space, and Luxco and Sazerac, and just more American whiskey in general than what you see up here. You'll see who's buying all the Henry McKenna, Fighting Cock, Cabin Still, Rebel Yell, George Dickel and Old Charter.

Re: Goin' to Florida...

I've looked around several parts of Florida, and yes, there isn't much of the regular stuff that you can't find in Illinois. But, I have seen several of the "dusty bottle" variety finds there, if you're into that sort of thing. As always, look for the crappy, old package store in a seedy part of town. Preferrably with neon lights. Scout the parking lot for potential unfriendlies and a close to the door parking spot. Exit your car with authority and move in quickly, giving it that Richard Pryor "we bad" walk. Go directly to bourbon aisle, and peruse quickly. Don't look right in front of you. The dusties will be low or high on the shelf, and probably behind something else. Remember, you should be in and out in 90 seconds. If you find something(s), pick up and go directly to counter. Don't get too greedy. I mean, time is not your ally. Don't give the bad guys time to group. Plus, it doesn't hurt to save a few dusties for the next team we send in. Always, pay in cash. Grab bag with goods, go directly to car looking satisfied, and not hurried. If you pass someone going out, keep head up, and make eye contact. Project that you're the "man on a mission". Get in car, back out without hitting anything. You don't want that kind of delay here. Quickly exit parking lot. Begin breathing again. At this point, it's OK to finger your new finds and ask yourself the question: "Why the F@%&! did I just do that?"

Re: Goin' to Florida...

Great answer and technique, Joe. I've also found that looking the part (unshaven and dressed down) and bringing a wingman helps--there is strength in numbers. Going into an ill-kept liquor store solo, clean shaven and in a lavender Brooks Brothers polo shirt is not a good idea, unless you enjoy overwhelming popularity among the filthy and wretched locals.

Is it me, or is there a lack of consensus of what bourbonites here consider what "is generally available," and what is "a dusty"?

Murf

"...A good bowl of Wheaties with bourbon can't be beat." Dizzy Dean, The Gashouse Gang, 1934.